It was an energetic, optimistic atmosphere and a crowded room for the inaugural meeting under the leadership of President Diane Woodruff.
Past President Dan McVeigh (Downey Brand) called the meeting to order and introduced the club foundation trustees, the board of directors, and the club officers for 2018-19 - culminating in the ceremonial procession of incoming President Diane Woodruff (Retired - Chancellor California Community Colleges), who now presides over the 105th year in the club’s proud history.
Emcee Elfrena Foord (Foord, Van Bruggen, and Pajak) introduced guests Barbara Davis Lyman and Ann Cash, longtime friends of President Diane, who shared humorous reflections on the honoree’s life and her career heading Napa Valley College and the California Community College system. Past President Hal Bartholomew (Bartholomew & Wasznicky LLP) chipped in offbeat recollections of global Rotary group trips with President Diane.
From them we learned of Diane’s stellar academic and professional career and of her colorful life, all of which made the day “thoroughly embarrassing and fun” for the incumbent. Diane herself confirmed that the love of her life, husband Tom Woodruff seated on the dais, was indeed her “hunka hunka burning love.”
In hopes of salvaging her dignity, Madam President seized the podium and, resplendent in her trademark red blazer, laid out her vision for the club year: “to focus on service above self-activities that make a difference in our Sacramento community and in the world...and to have fun doing them.”
She articulated 10 priorities to guide her term. 1. Great lunch speakers. 2. One-day hands-on community service projects. 3. New website and focus on social media. 4. Fun activities. 5. Membership growth with a goal of 300 members. 6. Literacy. 7. Club trip to Germany (May 20 - June 4). 8. Key fundraisers Sacramento Century (October 6) and Golf for Kids (May 6). 9. Support for RCOS Foundation and Legacy Circle (bequest giving). 10. Fellowship time at the lunches.
On this last point, she challenged the club to fine her $100 should she fail to provide lunch conversation time - while conversely warning that her “finemaster” John Wood was on the lookout for transgressions to pad the club’s charitable coffers.
Befitting a career educator, the President announced the donation levels for her term as: $25-$100 Starving Student; $100 Teacher; $250 Division Chair; $500 Dean; $750 Vice Chancellor; and $1,000 Chancellor.
Immediately Rotarians responded with a cascade of generosity.
Emcee Elfrena Foord closed the proceedings by announcing next week’s guest speaker, Beth Ruyak from Capital Public Radio, and by teasing next week’s unveiling of the club’s nascent Rotary Rockers band.
Special thanks to:
. the day’s sergeant-at-arms Jeff Stone
. Thought for the Day presenter Kathy Herrfeldt (Home Care Assistance)
. wine reception hosts Bob McLean (the “train guy”) and Dan Fenocchio (Cunningham Engineering)
. piano musician Jack Anderson (Dick James & Associates)
. greeters Dr. Winston Eddy, Brian Turner (Law Office of Brian H. Turner) and Julie Sherry (Watson Companies, Inc.).